The best outdoor activities in the Laurentians
Less than 2 hours from Montreal and Ottawa, the Laurentians are an endless playground for lovers of nature, thrills and outdoor adventure. Here, each season completely transforms the landscape and offers its share of unforgettable experiences. Between rivers, boreal forests, mountains and lakes, this emblematic region of Quebec is a concentrate of accessible and authentic outdoor activities!
Between the Lanaudière and Outaouais regions, the Laurentians is a must-see region of Quebec, easily accessible from both Montreal and Ottawa. With its superb landscapes of forests stretching as far as the eye can see, wild rivers, lakes and mountains, it's the perfect setting for a trip into the great outdoors, with a whole host of outdoor adventures on the programme, whatever the season. And to get the most out of it, there's nothing like meeting passionate local people who can take you right to the heart of the experience.
So here's our selection of the best outdoor activities to enjoy in the Laurentians in summer, autumn and the depths of winter!
Summer and autumn: a world rich in colour
In summer, when the forests turn green, or in autumn when they turn red and gold, the Laurentians become an explorer's paradise. The lakes and rivers are no longer frozen, making it possible to indulge in a variety of water sports, while the forest and mountain trails are more easily accessible, offering new opportunities for adventure without fear of the cold. So now's the time to take advantage of as many outdoor experiences as you can in the Laurentians, ones that you won't find anywhere else in Quebec!
Rafting down the Rivière Rouge with Rafting Nouveau Monde
Rafting on the Rouge River, halfway between Montreal and Ottawa, is a guaranteed thrill on one of Quebec's most beautiful rivers! Its rapids are famous not only for their intensity, but also for their accessibility (from age 6!). The rafting courses on offer are suitable for all levels, with the guidance of a professional team who will put you at ease straight away. The experience takes place in an exceptional natural setting and a friendly atmosphere, the perfect way to create memories with friends, family or as a team!
Immerse yourself in nature with Kanatha Aki
More than just activities, the Kanatha Aki nature centre offers total immersion in First Nations culture and know-how. Here, you can go horse riding in the mountains, visit a wood bison sanctuary, learn the basics of forest survival or fish in the traditional way. Every moment spent with the Kanatha Aki team is a lesson in respect for nature and the people who inhabit it. There's nothing like meeting their team in Val-des-Lacs for a truly authentic experience in the Laurentians!
Hiking and exploring Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (SEPAQ)
Hiking, canoeing, via ferrata, etc., Quebec's largest national park is a marvel to be discovered in a variety of ways! With its more than 400 lakes, miles of marked trails, secret waterfalls, varied wildlife (beavers, deer, moose, etc.) and many other wonders, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, less than 2 hours' drive from Montreal. And in autumn, the flamboyant colours of the maple trees turn every outing into a breathtaking visual experience!
Guided bike tours with D-Tour Tremblant
Do you enjoy exploring by bike, especially to discover little-visited sites offering superb scenery? Then don't miss the guided excursions offered by the D-Tour team on mountain bikes, e-bikes and hybrid bikes in the most beautiful spots around Mont-Tremblant. Whether you're looking for a contemplative outing or a more athletic adventure, you're sure to find the experience you need! All you have to do is let your guide guide you and enjoy your ride in the great outdoors, between mountain and forest.
Tyroliennes and via ferrata with Tyroparc and Ziptrek Écotours
What better way to enjoy the incredible scenery of the Laurentians in summer and autumn than from a height? At Tyroparc, head to Mont Catherine to fly over valleys on a giant zip line and climb cliffs in complete safety on a via ferrata, while at Ziptrek Tremblant, head to Mont-Tremblant for an immersive and educational experience, with a course of 5 zip lines and a breathtaking view of the resort and Lake Tremblant. Combining adrenalin and respect for the environment, these activities are a must-do in the Laurentians!
Panoramic helicopter flight with Héli-Tremblant
How would you like to admire the autumn landscape of Quebec's forests in all its splendour? Take off on a panoramic helicopter flight with Héli-Tremblant for the best views of Canada's typical autumn landscape: a sea of shimmering colours ranging from yellow and orange to red and brown. Although it's possible to fly over the Laurentians by helicopter all year round, autumn is undoubtedly THE season not to be missed for the diversity of colours offered by the forests.
Winter: an all-white landscape
When the Laurentians cloak themselves in a blanket of snow, the cold intensifies and water sources freeze over, it's not just the landscape that changes: the activities you can do in the Laurentians are also no longer the same! While some experiences are still accessible, such as helicopter flights, new ones invite you to put your nose outside despite the sub-zero temperatures and have maximum fun in the snow.
Snowmobile tours with Outdoor Logistik and Tyroparc
Whether you're in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts with Tyroparc or in L'Ascension with Outdoor Logistik, snowmobiling is a winter must in the Laurentians. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the snow-covered trails through boreal forests, frozen lakes and immaculate panoramas are accessible to all, thanks to the guidance of professional instructors and the easy handling of the machines. Whether you're a driver or a passenger, you'll enjoy an exceptional adventure combining thrills and discovery in the great outdoors!
Dog sledding and Nordic traditions with Kanatha Aki and Aventures Plein Air
Dog sledding is the winter experience not to be missed in Quebec. Climb aboard a sled, take control of your team and let yourself be guided through forests and snowy plains by a pack of energetic huskies! Whether you're with family, friends, a couple or on your own, this is an activity that offers a strong link with tradition, animals and the Quebec winter in all its splendour. So in the Laurentians, don't miss out on a dogsled ride in Saint-Hippolyte with Aventures Plein Air or in Val-des-Lacs with Kanatha-Aki!
Snowshoeing and fat biking with D-Tour Tremblant
Fancy going on an excursion despite the centimetres of snow outside? Then head to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant and the surrounding area for some new adventures with D-Tour Tremblant! Depending on what you fancy, you can either go snowshoeing, one of the most accessible winter activities, or take a fat bike tour, a bike with big tyres that's perfectly suited to powder snow. Although very different, these 2 experiences will allow you to fully appreciate your outing in the snow in the heart of the Laurentians.
Winter Via Ferrata and Tyrolean traverse with Tyroparc
Tyroparc doesn't stop, even in the snow! All you need to do is make a few changes to your safety equipment, and you'll be ready to climb the frozen via ferrata courses and soar at full speed down the snow-covered zip lines. So if you're not afraid of the cold and want to take in the sights, don't hesitate to join Tyroparc for a unique winter experience in the Laurentians!
The Laurentians, a region to enjoy all year round
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a lover of wide-open spaces or curious about local experiences, the Laurentians have something to offer every season. Easily accessible from Montreal or Ottawa, they're the ideal place to get away from it all, recharge your batteries and venture out for a weekend or more. And thanks to all our committed local partners, each activity also becomes an enriching encounter, a unique moment, and a way to discover more about Quebec through the people who bring it to life. So what are you waiting for? Discover all the outdoor activities in the Laurentians!